Tensions Rise Over APC’s Plans for the Southwest
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, following his recent declaration that the ruling party aims to secure political dominance in the Southwest by unseating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Oyo and Osun states.
Ganduje’s Takeover Ambitions
Ganduje’s statement came after the APC’s victory in the Ondo State gubernatorial election, where their candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Following the win, Ganduje confidently announced that the APC’s next target is the Southwest, specifically aiming to take control of Oyo and Osun states to establish political unity in the region.
He emphasized that the party was determined to achieve its goals, saying, “We are good at hitting the target, and our next focus is the South-West geopolitical zone.”
Makinde’s Firm Response
In response, Governor Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed the APC’s plans, stating that Oyo State would not be handed over to the ruling party. Makinde expressed solidarity with the Oyo PDP’s acting Publicity Secretary, Micheal Ogunsina, who condemned the takeover plot.
Ogunsina argued that the APC’s aspirations for Oyo are unrealistic, asserting that the people of Oyo would not trade Makinde’s administration—which he described as an “oasis of peace, ease, and good governance”—for the “pain and sorrow” he attributed to APC rule.
Oyo PDP’s Strong Condemnation
The Oyo PDP expressed disapproval of the APC’s intentions, calling it shameful that the ruling party is more concerned with “capturing states” than addressing the economic and social burdens facing Nigerians.
- Ogunsina compared the APC’s focus on political dominance to the actions of “forest bandits,” highlighting the party’s lack of concern for the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
- He emphasized that the people of Oyo are unwilling to surrender their current “peace and good governance” to what he called APC’s “predators.”
- The Oyo PDP criticized the APC’s governance, accusing them of failing to repair the nation’s economy and disregarding the hardships faced by Nigerians.
Makinde’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Oyo, rejecting Ganduje’s ambitions and asserting that their governance prioritizes the welfare and stability of the state over power struggles.
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